Chapter 1323 |
Chapter 1323: Lie Shan’s Concern
Upon witnessing this scene, all members of the Divine Flame Family fell into an abrupt silence.
Although many had anticipated that Elder Lie Shan would lose this battle, seeing it unfold before their eyes was still difficult to accept.
After all, everyone in the Divine Flame Family, regardless of their branch, knew that Lie Shan’s cultivation had reached the half-step Demon King Realm—a level where a single step could place him at the pinnacle of this world as a true Demon King Realm expert.
To put it bluntly, every Demon King Realm cultivator could usher in an era of prosperity.
Yet, such a terrifying existence had been defeated by the Demon Warrior Legion in merely two exchanges.
It took nearly ten breaths for the onlookers to recover, and then gasps filled the air. Shock overtook every face.
“I never truly believed the Grand Elder would actually lose,” someone muttered.
“Look how relaxed the Demon Warrior Legion appears. It seems they completely overwhelmed the Grand Elder. Could they really possess strength comparable to the Demon King Realm?”
At that moment, not only were the members of the Divine Flame Family stunned, but even Su Jingzhen, a member of the Demon Warrior Legion, found himself momentarily speechless.
“Is it already over? Isn’t this a bit too absurd?” Su Jingzhen murmured, his expression one of disbelief.
Seeing Su Jingzhen’s astonishment, You Yue couldn’t help but smile faintly.
The reason she had insisted on bringing Su Jingzhen here was precisely to give her husband a taste of shock. After all, Su Jingzhen usually left her in awe—it felt good to finally turn the tables.
“How’s that, my husband? Is the Demon Warrior Legion’s current strength satisfactory?” You Yue asked with a hint of smugness.
Su Jingzhen’s lips twitched. “Satisfactory? This is only after six days! If we told others they’ve grown to this extent in just six days, wouldn’t it embarrass every other legion out there?”
Hearing Su Jingzhen’s words, You Yue smiled again, satisfied.
Almost immediately, golden characters appeared before Su Jingzhen’s eyes:
[Emotional Connection +75]
[Emotional Connection +75]
[Emotional Connection +75]
[Remaining Available Points: 55,860]
You Yue had landed another triple hit on Su Jingzhen.
Meanwhile, across from them, Lie Shan wiped blood from the corner of his mouth and let out a bitter laugh. “I concede. I admit defeat to your Demon Warrior Legion.”
His expression was complex as he spoke. He had spent countless eons cultivating, painstakingly reaching the half-step Demon King Realm, only to be defeated by a legion less than twenty years old.
In that moment, he foresaw that the Moluo Realm—and perhaps even the entire Starry Sky Demons—would be irrevocably transformed by this legion’s model. Such power was simply too terrifying.
At this point, You Yue dismissed the demonic qi dragon of the Demon Warrior Legion and bowed respectfully to Lie Shan.
“If the Grand Elder hadn’t given us time to unleash our full strength, the Demon Warrior Legion wouldn’t have stood a chance against you. Our achievements today are inseparable from your invaluable support.”
You Yue harbored genuine gratitude toward Lie Shan.
Lie Shan nodded silently but said nothing more. In this world, where the strong preyed upon the weak, results spoke louder than anything else. And the result was clear: he, Lie Shan, had lost this battle.
On the sidelines, Huo Yang stood frozen, her mind reeling. Though she had always known the Demon Warrior Legion had reached an unfathomable level, witnessing it firsthand sent a slight tremor through her heart.
Before anyone could fully process what had happened, Lie Shan stepped forward again, ascending into the sky above the arena. With a flick of his hands, a thick energy barrier surged around the battlefield.
Seeing this, countless disciples of the Divine Flame Family were startled, unsure of his intentions.
Lie Shan’s voice rang out sternly: “No one is to gossip about what transpired here today. At the very least, until the Central Trial begins, no one may leak the Demon Warrior Legion’s true combat capabilities!”
“Now, everyone present, swear a Heavenly Oath!”
Upon hearing this, the disciples exchanged puzzled glances.
“Word of the Demon Warrior Legion’s strength has already spread throughout the central region. During the Central Trial, every faction’s legion will likely steer clear of them. Does it really matter if we keep quiet or not?”
“The Grand Elder must have his reasons. Don’t overthink it. It’s just a confidentiality agreement—it’s not like he’s asking us to die.”
As the murmurs continued, many began swearing the Heavenly Oath without further hesitation.
Seeing this, Lie Shan finally exhaled in relief. After dispelling the energy barrier, he approached Su Jingzhen and the others.
“The trial is over. Now, return to rest and prepare for the actual trial. Though your legion possesses formidable power, based on your abilities, I believe you still have a significant chance to surpass this half-step.”
Lie Shan’s tone remained grave as he spoke. Sensing the lingering questions in Su Jingzhen’s mind, he elaborated: “I’m not worried that leaking your strength will provoke other factions’ legions to target you. At this point, the Demon Warrior Legion is beyond being singled out. What concerns me is that your current strength might exceed acceptable limits, giving them grounds to bar you from participating in the trial.”
Hearing this, Su Jingzhen and the others paused, then nodded in understanding.
Indeed, in the central region, the Divine Flame Family wasn’t the only faction with Demon King Realm-level power. The trial wasn’t solely under their jurisdiction.
“There are four days until the trial begins. For these four days, your Demon Warrior Legion should remain within the estate and train quietly. Avoid drawing unnecessary attention.”
Lie Shan’s instructions were firm.
Su Jingzhen and the others nodded in agreement. Over the past few days, they had already made enough of a splash.
Su Jingzhen had encountered most of the talented individuals in the central region and found them unremarkable compared to his expectations. There was no need to prove himself further.
At his current level of Demon Marquis Realm Eight Stage, unless a Demon General Realm expert appeared, he was essentially unstoppable. Proving himself further held little appeal.
Back at the estate, the 2,500 members of the Demon Warrior Legion resumed training under the guidance of their respective realm leaders. Each leader knew exactly how to proceed, so You Yue’s direct involvement wasn’t required.
In fact, You Yue was promptly pulled into a room by Su Jingzhen.
“My lady, you’ve worked hard during this time. The Demon Warrior Legion now possesses strength equivalent to the half-step Demon King Realm. Among those at the half-step level, we rank among the elite. It’s time to relax a little.”
As he spoke, Su Jingzhen began removing You Yue’s armor himself.
A playful smile tugged at You Yue’s lips. “My lord, are you so eager that you’ll falter after just a moment?”
Her words ignited Su Jingzhen’s indignation.
“Do you understand the significance of my current level? I’ve reached Stage Eight of the Demon Marquis Realm! Do you grasp the weight of that achievement? If I don’t subdue you tonight, I’ll forever be beneath you!”